2 Civil Servants Among 4 Arrested For Smuggling 119 Rohingyas In Fishing Boat
The youngest among the group is said to be five years old and the oldest is 38.
By Ivyna Ong — 27 May 2022, 12:47 PM
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) found 119 Rohingyas hidden inside a fishing boat on 24 May during a patrol on the Kedah River
According to China Press, Kedah police chief commissioner Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the local fishing boat was intercepted at about 9.20pm. Upon inspection, the migrants were found hidden in the fish compartment, which is on the low deck of the boat.
There were reportedly 47 men, 32 women, 17 boys, and 23 girls. The youngest among the group is said to be five years old and the oldest is 38.
Four local men, two of whom were civil servants, were found to be manning the boat and have been arrested for attempting to smuggle in the migrants.
The local men are being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, which could land them in prison for up to 15 years and a fine
According to a statement, Wan Hassan said the Rohingya migrants have also been detained for violating the Immigration Act by not having the proper or valid documentation to enter the country.
They face a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to RM 10,000, upon conviction.
